Voices have been growing louder over a number of local issues recently and for the first time in just over a decade, there is a mechanism available that's designed to capture these voices and move them towards action.

That mechanism is two surveys -- the Operational Community Plan (OCP) survey, and the annual 2024 Annual City Budget survey. The City of Prince George has recently released them both and are open for participation until October 27th.

Temperatures have been rising on a number of issues since the last OCP plan was released 11 years ago. CFUR talked to a wide range of people to see what kinds of issues can be addressed through the OCP and Annual City Budget.

Housing has become a primary issue in the community amidst discourse over improvised encampments like Moccasin Flats. Katt Cadieux with UNDU (Uniting Northern Drug Users UNDU’ing Stigma) says it's important to include vulnerable populations in surveys like these. Housing discussions have also focused on accessibility, inclusion, and infrastructure complaints.

One of the other identifiable topics in local online discussion is bike lane creation. Rylan Graham of UNBC’s School of Planning & Sustainability speaks to the value of this type of infrastructure. Within the OCP Survey the city seeks input on these factors, including climate change resiliency, agriculture within the municipality, and a whole lot more.

Kris Dalio, Director of Finance & IT Services with the city, walks us through the budget survey as it breaks down expense categories and asks for your perception on whether to increase or decrease spending on each. It ultimately culminates in an opportunity to express where future infrastructure investment should be focused.

Kali Holahan, Supervisor of Land Use Planning, clarifies why the survey is so broad in nature and its value in collecting the wishes of the Prince George population.

The surveys are open for participation until October 27th. Open Houses are to be held across three different locations in the city from 5-7pm on October 24th at the Hart Pioneer Centre, and on October 26th at  26th at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre downtown. The city manager and directors will be present, the sessions will provide residents the opportunity to ask questions about city services.

Bike Lanes have become a topic of discussion within the Prince George municipality. Photo Credit - Ian Gregg